Ask Dr. Mona

Potty training can feel like a rollercoaster, especially with a strong-willed child. Setbacks are a common part of the process, and taking a step back can actually be a positive move. It’s okay to pause and regroup– sometimes, easing into it slowly and at her pace is exactly what’s needed.

Here are a few tips to help your strong-willed little one feel more comfortable and confident about trying again:

Let her take the lead

Strong-willed children often resist when they feel like they aren’t in control, so try giving her choices to empower her. You could say, “Would you like to sit on the potty before or after your snack?” or, “Do you want to use the little potty or the big potty?” Offering simple options makes her feel like she has a say without turning potty training into a battle.

Make it fun and pressure-free

Reintroduce the potty in a lighthearted, no-pressure way.  You can try reading potty books, letting her decorate the potty with a few stickers, or even having a favorite stuffed animal “practice” using it. Some children even enjoy adding sprinkles to the toilet as a fun reward after using it! Normalize potty as part of daily life without making it a big deal if she’s not ready to use it just yet. Let her know it’s there for when she wants to try.

Celebrate small wins

Focus on progress and small steps. If she sits on the potty– even for a few seconds–celebrate that effort with lots of praise: “Wow! You sat on the potty! That’s a big deal!” Recognizing the little steps will build her confidence and help her feel proud!

Remember, that every child has their own pace, and potty training doesn’t need to follow a strict timeline. By taking things slow and supporting her independence, you’re helping her prep for when she is ready. If you’re looking for even more strategies (and a confidence boost for yourself), the PedsDocTalk No-Pressure Potty Training Course is full of tips to help make the process smoother–for both of you!

Toothbrushing struggles with toddlers are incredibly common and can be frustrating, especially when it feels like nothing works. At this age, their growing independence often leads to pushback, even for essential routines like brushing their teeth. Many toddlers don’t want help brushing their teeth, but they need help with this for their dental health.

It sounds like you’ve tried a few good strategies. Here are some additional tips to consider:

• Make it fun: Pretend the toothbrush is a superhero fighting “sugar bugs,” or sing a silly song to keep it playful. You can let them pretend to brush their favorite doll or stuffed animal’s teeth while you brush theirs.

• Offer some control: Let your child pick their toothbrush or toothpaste, or let them brush your teeth first before you say, “Now it’s my turn to brush yours!”

• Switch up the location: If brushing in the bathroom feels like a battle, switch things up by brushing in a different spot.

Brushing teeth is non-negotiable, so maintain the boundary by keeping it matter of fact: “We are going to brush your teeth.” Patience and consistency are key–continue integrating toothbrushing into the routine and avoid skipping it. With time, your toddler will learn that brushing their teeth is part of what they need to do, even if they resist at first.

For a few more brushing tips, check out this reel from Instagram:

Ask Dr. Mona

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Dr. Mona will answer these questions in a future Sunday Morning Q&A email. Chances are if you have a parenting concern or question, another parent can relate. So let's figure this out together!